Hidden Henley

THIS unusual church doorway, photographed in dappled autumn sunlight, is only about 40cm wide and is

THIS unusual church doorway, photographed in dappled autumn sunlight, is only about 40cm wide and is in the strangest of surroundings.

Â Mongewell church is mainly in ruins but the chancel has been renovated and the access door has recently been left unlocked during the day for visitors to see the altar, monuments and this door.

The church is set among the empty buildings of Carmel College, which closed in 1997, and this adds to the peaceful atmosphere. There are former living quarters, offices and schoolrooms all around facing the River Thames a few metres away.

Â Although these grounds are private, the peculiar ambience can still be sampled by walkers because the church is accessible by a public footpath running past many of the former classrooms.